Common onsite amenities available to occupiers of commercial and residential properties are widely known: gyms, laundry service, parking spaces, pet services and clubrooms, among others. But there’s a special location that can provide a key differentiator in the competition to attract and retain occupants: the roof. “Today, particularly at higher-end properties, unique rooftop amenities have proven to be a deciding factor in community selection for future residents,” says Brandon Reed, chief visionary officer at Salt Lake City-area rooftop amenity designer Loft Six Four. Moreover, they offer revenue opportunities like higher retention rates, higher rental yield and sale prices per square foot. “Once a forgotten space used only for cooling towers, water tanks and elevator machine rooms, or private amenities to attract tenants, building rooftops and setbacks are getting long overdue appreciation. Rather than being a sign of exclusivity, these rooftop spaces are becoming an essential part of any well-positioned office building,” adds Ambrose Aliaga-Kelly, a technical director for global architecture, design and planning firm Gensler. Popular rooftop amenities include safe play areas for children; swimming pools; gardens; lounges; outdoor kitchens; putting greens, games, yoga studios and lockers; outdoor TVs, Wi-Fi, USB ports, charging stations and other technology; and pet amenities like dog parks and washing stations. Aside from being space-efficient, an especially important consideration in high-demand metros with low vacancy rates and limited space for extras, rooftop amenities offer something that isn’t available at lower levels: a view. “A roof terrace with breathtaking city skyline views can be a major draw for potential tenants and buyers,” according to Reed. And there’s an energy angle too. Repurposing roofs on older residential and commercial buildings can reduce their carbon footprint. Green or planted roofs can help lower a building’s energy consumption by insulating it and providing a...

Even with multifamily rents continuing to rise nationwide, property owners still need to work to get people into their units. At the height of the pandemic, some renters in metros like Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco relocated to lower-cost communities, prompting landlords to adopt creative measures to attract and keep renters. “Incentives are not what they used to be, primarily because market conditions and expectations have shifted, and offering the right incentives for lease renewals is more important than ever to capture the attention of today’s busy renters,” according to Zillow. Here are some ideas that can help property managers attract prospects and maintain high-quality residents, courtesy of Zillow, Multi-Housing News and other industry sources: Upgrade inside and out. Paint or landscaping improvements and new appliances, flooring and furniture can make a property more attractive to residents and prospects. There’s also the option of offering renewing residents a menu for choosing the services or upgrades they value or need most, whether it be a ceiling fan, new shelving on the walls or a better stove. Let free stuff ring. A period of free parking, cable service, laundry or dry cleaning, storage space or Wi-Fi is always appreciated, as is a temporary or permanent suspension of amenity or pet fees. Gift cards for ride-sharing services, food delivery services and more provide other options. “Free parking is the most common perk this year, but there are many ways to engage with renters in ways that are important to them,” ZillowRentals reported in its Consumer Housing Trends report. Amped-up tech. Cutting-edge technology like high-tech door locks, thermostats, tablet devices or smart home automation devices save property owners time and money and make a favorable impression on today’s tech-savvy renters. See how RentCafe Home IQ attracts prospects...

With the new year here, you can expect an influx of interest in your fitness amenities. Prepare your space and gym calendar for creative, fun and forward-thinking fitness opportunities. You can appeal to prospects who are seeking a fresh start as well as existing renters. Refresh your fitness center offerings Among New Year resolutions, wellness goals top the list. Whether it’s someone pursuing a healthier lifestyle or the fitness fanatic seeking greater gains, your gym is a tool for resident satisfaction. For the greatest satisfaction, regularly refresh your offerings. Without new and exciting options year-round, you’ll experience periods of frequent use and periods of gathering cobwebs. For exciting fitness ideas, take inspiration from these fitness trends for 2022. Fitness industry trends for 2022 1. Hybrid classes Offering in-person, virtual live stream, and on-demand recordings is a great way to appeal to busy renters.  The array of options gives them the opportunity to work out in any manner and at any time. Follow-along videos are also a creative way to disperse crowds at the fitness center. When renters know they can access guided classes online, there is no need to max out in-person classes. 2. Sync with wellness trackers If you’re renovating, adding or updating your equipment, seek options that correspond with multiple fitness trackers. This feature makes coming to your gym an integrated part of residents’ wellness plan. 3. Outdoor classes Outdoor classes offer a convenient way for residents to exercise in a well-ventilated space. Additions such as solar sails and fans can extend the usefulness of your outdoor fitness area.   4. Love low-impact options Consider using the community pool to offer low-impact cardio and strengthening options. Buoyancy is a great tool for renters who are new to movement, suffer from joint pain,...

Amenities like fitness centers, laundry rooms and pet services are standard at many residential and commercial properties. So ordinary are they that property managers are striving to deliver increasingly elaborate offerings to attract residents and tenants. Real estate investment information source Millionacres.com says, “If you want your units to fill up quickly and stay filled, you’ll want to offer the best apartment amenities possible for your tenants.” That doesn’t just mean rooftop pools, private restaurants, pet spas and indoor skate parks for high-end space. “Desirable amenities can be offered at smaller properties, too.” Dog grooming services can be a plus for pet owners. As for commercial space, San Diego commercial real estate investment firm Locale notes, “Spare corner weight rooms have transformed into fully equipped, professionally staffed fitness centers; the corner coffee cart has evolved into a chic, onsite café complete with baristas serving specialty coffee; and outdoor seating areas have expanded to include meditation gardens, dog runs, and sports fields.” Residential: Exceeding the expected As Millionacres and other property management industry observers suggest, owners and managers might want to consider stepping up their game for residents who expect: More than just enough space for parking and bikes. Service enhancement options include assigned off-street parking with additional spots for guests and bike storage, and electric vehicle charging-equipped garage parking.A larger welcome mat for Rover. Consider expanding the pet-friendly policy with a dog park or grooming\spa services.Energy efficiency. Many tenants seeking sustainability and cost savings opportunities expect upgrades like compact fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent ones, solar panels or fuel cells rather than grid-based fossil fuel power with, LEED certifications, and ENERGY STAR® certifications for refrigerators and other appliances that meet stringent energy-efficiency standards.Better building heating and cooling systems, featuring central air and heating systems...

Amenities can be the irresistible lure that persuades apartment searchers to choose one community over another. Rooftop pools, fitness suites, concierge package service, housekeeping, business centers and dog wash stations all have devotees. “Over the past several years the multifamily asset class has been engaged in an amenities war, with projects offering better and more luxurious add-ons in order to draw in residents,” GlobeSt.com reported in April 2020. But COVID-19 prompted some apartment residents to rethink what matters to them, which in turn forced owners and managers to reevaluate their offerings. “Everybody is really searching for creative solutions right now,” Jeremy Brutus, co-founder of gym facility management company Urbn Play, told the New York Times in September. “I don’t think amenities will ever go back to the way they were before,” added Whitney Kraus of New York residential sales and leasing specialist Brown Harris Stevens Development. Several of the most common changes are fairly unobtrusive, such as lounges repurposed as schools, limited capacity in common areas, clubhouses divided into separate rooms, movable couches, touchless key fobs, cordoned-off work and recreation areas, and mandatory reservations for facilities. Package delivery and storage services and HVAC upgrades to make interior air cleaner are also in greater demand, according to Rick Haughey, vice president of industry technology initiatives for the National Multifamily Housing Council. Some communities have even swapped steel handles on barbells, weight machines and other equipment for copper, which is more expensive but harbors the coronavirus for a shorter time. Apartment communities on the high end of the rental scale, such as New York’s Madison House, can get even more creative with members-only primary care and emergency medical service offerings. Sollis Health, which services the building, says 50% of its business is house calls made by...

In the 2020 National Multifamily Housing Council & Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences survey, 373,000 residents living in 5,336 communities across the U.S. shared their feedback on what renters want. Millennial renters, particularly college-aged adults, expressed their most desirable features in rental housing. Hot topics for the year included parking, sustainability, health, and security. Amenities in these categories interested more than 50% of respondents. Young renters’ top 10 interests Adult renters ages 25 and under were asked which apartment features and community amenities interested them the most. The following 10 features topped their lists: 91% reliable cell reception 88% swimming pool 87% fitness center 85% controlled amenity access 84% secure, self-service, 24/7 package access 82% more storage space in apartment 83% recycling 79% visitor parking 75% common area grills 75% hot tub “The top three categories here– connectivity, swimming pool and fitness center– speak directly to what is top-of-mind for the typical student renter,” says Esther Bonardi, vice president, marketing at Yardi. “Available Wi-Fi to keep up with assignments and stay on top of their studies, a swimming pool that serves as a social oasis to unwind and relax with their friends, and a fitness center to maintain wellness in the midst of their chaotic schedules.” Bonardi adds, “One difference for students is that connectivity is a major factor in Wi-Fi reliability and speeds rather than cell phone reception. Reliable cell phone reception is a standard or necessity rather than an interest.” Reoccurring themes for college-aged renters It’s no surprise that connectivity is a prominent interest of Millennial renters. More than 91% of respondents listed reliable cell reception as a major interest. Nearly 70% were also interested in having Wi-Fi connectivity in common areas. Parking concerns appeared multiple times on the list of young renters’...

Wondering how to make your property more desirable in a competitive market? Research shows that today’s renters (especially millennials) would rather have high tech amenities than a pool or gym. And, they’ll pay more for a smart apartment that offers technology services on demand. Why? Smart apartments make life easier by keeping you connected, automating daily tasks, reducing costs through more efficient use of utilities and freeing up time for the things you really enjoy. Living in a smart apartment is like having a remote to control almost everything in your home from a phone. According to the 2018 NMHC Multifamily Disruption Report, “As real time and personalized purchasing experiences become the norm, a lifestyle-focused apartment is as important as location and layout.” Are you offering today’s most-wanted amenities? And going a step further, are you future-proofing your community with technology? Smart stuff To sign more leases with quality residents who are likely to stay for a while, you should cater to their needs on a lifestyle level by going beyond basic online services. Here are some of the most popular tech amenities that you can offer (and brag about in your marketing) now. Keyless locks Smart locks provide convenience and security with keyless entry into apartments via touchpads and mobile apps. They also log when someone enters and leaves a unit. Residents can remotely authorize access to house cleaners, dog walkers, maintenance staff and visitors. Smart locks can also alert residents whenever their door is opened — and can be connected to a security system for additional protection and peace of mind. Thermostats One of the most wanted amenities is a smart thermostat, which enables residents to control their apartment climates remotely. Since heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of a property’s...

If two travelers had a 17-hour layover in your airport, would the news excite them? If you can’t immediately say “yes,” your airport still has work to do. We’ve got a few service and marketing tactics sites of sizes that can make the experience more appealing. Engage Before Arrival Create the travel experience before travellers pack their bags. Instagram is a good starting place. The app is praised for generating high engagement for travel brands. Use the feed to inspire travel plans, highlight features at the airport and give an otherwise impersonal industry a personal touch. Check out these travel brands that are getting it right on Instagram. Monitor Instagram and other social media platform to identify travelers. Hootsuite and other analytics services offer tools that make monitoring and filtering hashtags easier for businesses. By identifying travelers (and users with travel plans) you can open the door to a wide range of personalized, direct engagement. This human interaction builds priceless brand loyalty. For example, travelers often post updates throughout the journey, including pictures at the airport with site-specific hashtags. Your team can then connect with the use to get an idea of why they are traveling and their interests. Team members can make recommend attractions and amenities, or direct them to the welcome center for your city. Even if the user isn’t flying with you during this trip, you have created a relationship that will put you on their radar next time they book a flight. Added bonus: you’ll also make an impact on the traveler’s followers Don’t let the mobile experience stop with social media. Pulsate reports that by 2017, 10 percent of airlines revenue will be driven through mobile. That’s approximately $70 billion in revenues.  Creating a strong mobile presence will increase...

As a gardener, I took personal interest in the community gardens popping up throughout the US. I expected to find plenty of resources on the practicality and returns on such projects. Unfortunately, I had no such luck. What I’ve found, though, may help you determine if a community garden is a worthwhile addition to your multifamily property. We can begin with the question that is likely in the forefront of your mind, “What will it cost me?” That answer depends on several factors. Primarily, the costs of the garden depends on its size and the materials used. Rot- and pest- resistant cedar wood will cost more than pressure treated wood, for example. When using local, recycled wood, you may just pay for transportation. Then your costs will vary based upon how the apartment garden is established. In most cases, the site is responsible for the installation. The site furnishes irrigation, a few tools, and perhaps the first season of plants (since an active garden is an easier sell than bare earth).  With greater involvement, the costs increase to accommodate maintenance of the site, perhaps a part-time gardener or additional time on the clock for maintenance techs. The potential returns also depend on whether or not residents pay a fee for using plots, or whether they are offered without charge. With those factors in mind, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact costs and returns for a community garden. But the following information may give you a ballpark idea of a garden’s value. “We’ve had our community garden for several years now,” says Vanessa Jackson, Leasing Consultant at Greystone Farms Apartments in Columbus, GA. “Honestly, most people don’t come in asking about it. But once we drive them around the property and we point it...

The American Pet Products Association estimates that approximately 60 percent of all Americans own at least one pet, with nearly 80 million dogs and 96 million cats as part of that lofty figure. “That’s a significant amount of prospective renters,” said Gina Bertagnolli Slater, regional property manager for Pinnacle, Las Vegas. “For our pet owners their furry friends are family. Our ability to provide an extraordinary experience for the entire family is paramount in fulfilling our mission of consistently exceeding our customers’ expectations—and that includes their pets.” The rental housing market adapted to the fact that people consider their pets as family members, and property owners are focusing more and more each year on pet-friendly amenities and services to attract and retain residents with pets. It’s a view shared by many in the multifamily business today, with developers doing all they can to attract people (especially Millennials) with pets, and companies adding a host of pet-friendly services and amenities to their communities. Features like pet parks, pet spas, pet concierge services, and even pet welcome gifts are becoming more common for people moving into apartments. Plus, with the number of Millennials moving into urban cores where there are fewer opportunities to care for a pet, it makes it even more vital to cater to the pet lover. “In most growing and developed urban markets around the United States, pets, specifically dogs, are the children of condominium and multifamily building residents,” said Scott Leventhal, president & CEO of The Trillist Companies. “Failing to cater to the needs of the full extension of someone’s family provides a shortfall in services. That is why we see the importance to provide those services to our residents.” That’s why the Trillist Companies installed Pet Respite into its buildings, which provides pet grooming...

For a short list of reasons, which are relatively uninteresting, I’ve recently become obsessed with the HGTV show House Hunters International (and its parent program, House Hunters). A couple of years ago, it was revealed that the elimination process featured on the House Hunters program is somewhat contrived – participants apparently have often already selected their property before they become part of the show. That doesn’t bother me too much, because the episodes that I find most interesting are those in which the participants are looking for a home to rent, not buy. Often living temporarily outside of the U.S., the reactions of Americans to rentals in different countries is telling, and brought me to these realizations about our collective renters’ mentality, circa 2015. We are spoiled with inexpensive modern appliances. The kitchen seems to be the focal point of most apartment searches, especially for the female half of the prospect party. (Most of these shows feature a heterosexual couple, usually married, with a few exceptions.) Certainly, it’s nice to have a stainless steel oven or fridge, and no one can ever argue that a dishwasher isn’t an object of great convenience. But if the appliances function without burning the place down and allow you to cook food, are they really a deal breaker if they’re not new? In the case of many renters, apparently the answer is yes. Being in the city center is apparently overvalued. More often than not, the renters presented start out their rental wish list with the desire to be close to whatever attraction has brought them overseas in the first place (typically a job, educational opportunity, arts & culture or a beachside life). But when it comes down to maxing out their budget for other items on the...

Ever wondered how fit your city is? The American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) has. Since 2008 the ACSM takes a look at the health and fitness of the nations’ top 50 metropolitan areas, compiling a comprehensive ranking on community fitness to assess city strengths and identify areas in need of improvement. Dubbed the American Fitness Index (AFI), the report scores cities in a plethora of categories, such as walkability, residents’ proximity to public parks, chronic health problems, dietary preferences, recreational facilities and policy for school P.E. 2015’s recently released AFI report uncovered a number of encouraging results, with nine cities jumping up five spots in the ranks compared to last year. Some, such as Las Vegas, did so thanks to local action taken as a result of prior years’ results. An unsurprising result of the report is California’s love for healthy lifestyles. Of the six California MSAs on the AFI, four ranked in the top ten and none in the bottom fifteen. In fact the top five was dominated by California with Sacramento, San Francisco and San Diego ranking fifth, fourth and third. Minneapolis, the USA’s most bike-friendly city, was named runner-up to the country’s fittest city: Washington, DC. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC –VA-MD-WV Topping the American Fitness Index, the Washington, DC area seems to be doing everything right. The city excels at the number of people walking, biking or using public transport to work, the number of farmers’ markets, park units, dog parks, swimming pools, rec centers and tennis courts and park-related expenditures per capita, with a high percentage of the population being within a 10-minute walk to a park. Washington’s fitness-consciousness is perfectly reflected in the Bozzuto Group-managed Flats 130 at Constitution Square and Flats at Atlas. Built in 2011 and 2013, the...

Los Angeles—Gen Y likes rooftop pools, multimedia-equipped fitness suites, concierge package service and the ability to order housekeeping for their apartment. They have dogs, get lots of UPS deliveries but almost no mail, like walking places (but also need to charge their electric vehicles), and want the lobby of their apartment community it look like that of a four-star hotel. Sound high maintenance? It’s a fair assessment. Last week, a panel of multifamily experts delivered an overview of “What Renters Want: Development + Design Trends that Drive Occupancy,” at an AIA continuing education event held in Los Angeles and sponsored by Multi-Housing News, Interface and Universal Fibers. Speakers Manny Gonzalez, principal, KTGY Group; Kelly Farrell, vice president, RTKL; and Alan Dibartolomeo, chief development officer, AMF Development Inc. didn’t pull any punches when it came to the wish list of the nation’s largest renter demographic: 20-to-mid-30-somethings. “Gen Y rents by choice. We’ll see if they continue to rent by choice as they age. But if they keep renting, your rentals will have to be flexible enough in their amenities program to meet their needs in the future and the needs of their kids,” said Farrell, who described the demand for services among today’s typical resident. They want to be able to order up housekeeping, but not pay for it on a regular schedule, calling for an appointment when they have been too busy to clean or Mom and Dad are coming to visit. Someone should be in the lobby to receive their dry cleaning delivery and accept their packages while they work. Rent should be payable by credit card so they can auto-schedule the payment and forget about it. The good news is that they’re willing to pay for these conveniences. “It’s a generation that...

  Bikes are extremely attractive to apartment renters who live in urban areas. After all, bikes are green, they don’t take up a lot of space and riding is great exercise. Plus they allow riders to avoid being stuck in city traffic jams, which alone makes up for the cost of the bike. Many apartments already provide bicycle storage areas for their residents, either included with the apartment, or for a small amenity fee. I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I want to ride my bicycle, Anywhere I like. —“Bicycle Race,” Queen And, with the popularity of bikes soaring, some communities are taking the bicycle amenity one step further with resident bike-sharing programs. Take, for example, Related Companies. Related, partnering with bike-sharing company Zagster, is going to start offering an on-site bike sharing program in its New York communities. Once residents join the program, they can send a text to reserve a bike (which will be located in their community’s garage or parking lot) for the whole day. The bike keys will all be conveniently located in lock boxes on-site. Bikes will all include large baskets, making them ideal for residents who need to run a few errands—perfect for city dwellers who might not have easy access to a car. A bike-sharing program will save residents money, as well as storage space in their apartments if their community doesn’t have a bicycle storage area. It also provides a great amenity that will actually be used. And it’s eco-friendly. Beyond a little helmet hair, a bike-sharing program could be a great amenity to attract new residents. Jessica Fiur is News Editor at Multi-Housing News. Find more of her insights on multifamily living on the “What Renters Want”...

With the heat of summer fast approaching, the pool deck is becoming the hot spot for socializing and relaxation. Regardless of age or location, renters are sure to include a sparkling pool on their wish lists—but a wet hole simply won’t do. Millennials and Baby Boomers are being spoiled by pools that reach greater and greater heights of grandeur. We have scoured the web to bring you a few of the world’s most impressive community pools. Best Views Harbour Grand Kowloon boasts a rooftop pool that overlooks the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. Built-in sculptures, custom artwork, and a transparent third wall create a unique swimming venue that is rich with traditional Chinese beauty as well as modern innovation. Ample deck space and pool-side service complete the experience.     Family-Friendly Tiara Bay Resort at Port Dickson, Malaysia, is a child’s dream come true: dozens of colorful waterslides dip, swoop and swirl to create adventures for children of every age.  Sprinklers pop up from the ground like brightly colored mushrooms. Throughout the week, children can enjoy group activities, games, and kid-friendly events. Parents are welcomed to join in or simply watch from the nearby grassy knoll.     Jaw-dropping Beauty Parinee Ism, slated for construction in Mumbai, has taken skyscrapers to another level with the addition of elevated en suite pools. Luxury units will offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. Infinity edge pools bring the beauty of the city to renters’ fingertip—not to mention clear views of magnificent sunsets.     Party Central Stateside, upwardly mobile young renters will enjoy the fun simplicity of Greystar’s Tribute Apartments in Raleigh, North Carolina. The oversized pool is the perfect place to meet and mingle. It’s also ideal for parties: in addition to dozens of comfortable...

It’s been said that the way to a man’s heart is through is stomach. And, apparently, the way to a renter’s heart is through his or her dog. Not only are more and more buildings pet-friendly nowadays, but some property managers are adding amenities specifically catering to man’s best friend. Communities are banking on pet-focused amenity offerings, such as dog parks and pet grooming areas, that promote their facilities as home sweet home for pets and humans alike. For example, Rockrose, which manages residential buildings in New York, offers The Spot Experience, which is a third-party dog amenity provider. This service includes dog walking, cage-free daycare, overnight boarding, training and non-surgical vet services, such as nutritional plans and vaccinations, at their buildings. Spa treatments for dogs are also offered, which could even include facials. (It’s a ruff life for dogs nowadays.) Other property management firms such as Rose Associates, Argo and Millennium Partners, are also getting in on the act and offering the Spot Experience. Yardi client Stonehenge has created resident events programming specifically focused around pets, including a fashion show for dogs with a runway and judges and a holiday-themed event where residents could have their dogs’ pictures taken with Santa Claus. Of course, membership to the Spot Experience doesn’t run cheap—about $200 a year, or $25 a day for members or $50 for nonmembers—but that isn’t stopping residents from participating. The expense is worth it for the renters. And it is definitely worth it for the property managers. Are you offering a unique pet-friendly amenity at your community? Tell us about it! Jessica Fiur is News Editor at Multi-Housing News. Find more of her insights on multifamily living on the “What Renters Want”...

Things are changing fast in the apartment rental world. Generation Y is pouring almost 80 million potential renters into the market, and these new tenants are a hard-to-please, tech-savvy demographic. Many multifamily properties have upgraded to keep up with the demands of these new renters, resulting in new amenities which not long ago were considered luxuries. Catering to boutique preferences means not only that renters have an opportunity to select an apartment that will reinforce their lifestyle choices, but apartment marketers can focus on unique and creative sales pitches. Pools, fitness and business centers, tennis courts, comfortable clubhouses, and average laundry facilities won’t make you stand out – all are common these days. Access to high speed Internet, whether hard-wired into apartments or available as universal, dependable wi-fi around the property, is a must. Leading edge developers have discovered new ways to attract residents and to keep their current tenants in high spirits. A few of the concepts they’ve come up with: Outdoor green space is close to impossible in some metro areas, but apartment complexes with a healthy development plan highlight this amenity incorporating within the property walking trails, Zen gardens, rooftop meditation oases, benches, fountains, and dog parks. The older apartment communities might not have the means to offer the modern green space perks, but the newer ones know that a well-kept garden with a grassy courtyard and tree-lined landscape can work wonders on the residents’ psyche. Some apartment complexes go as far as offering individual garden plots for the nature-loving tenants who want to grow their own flowers or vegetables. Exuding a healthful lifestyle on property sites takes many forms. Many communities are designated smoke free zones, free of wafting second-hand smoke with no cigarettes or cigars allowed anywhere on site....